Minimalist Travel – Minimal Worldhttp://minimalworld.com
world travel tips for minimalistsSat, 02 Sep 2017 10:17:19 +0000enhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.541417090A Caravanning Guide For The Minimalist Travelerhttp://minimalworld.com/caravanning-guide-minimalist-traveler/
http://minimalworld.com/caravanning-guide-minimalist-traveler/#commentsMon, 14 Mar 2016 23:17:10 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1536Traveling around in a motorhome or caravan offers you certain freedoms you will not have if you choose a traditional form of travel. When traveling this way there are a few things you must take into mind to insure your trip goes smoothly. Whether you will be touring Europe or just going out of town […]

]]>Traveling around in a motorhome or caravan offers you certain freedoms you will not have if you choose a traditional form of travel. When traveling this way there are a few things you must take into mind to insure your trip goes smoothly. Whether you will be touring Europe or just going out of town for a weekend camping trip here are some things you should take into mind.

Always Go Insured

This is one factor that not everyone thinks about when going on a caravanning holiday but it is an important factor at that. The truth is, although you hope nothing goes wrong, accidents do happen so it is best to be prepared ahead of time. By choosing a trusted company you can ensure not only your vehicle but also your personal items such as electronics for the length of your trip. Whether you decide to buy or simply hire a motorhome to go caravanning, insurance is a key necessity. If you need motorhome insurance, take a look at the Caravan Club website which offers some great insurance packages for your caravanning adventure.

Take Along Only What You Need

If you are a minimalist traveler you already have this mindset but it is always nice to be reminded. When caravanning you will have a lot more space than you would when traveling and limited to what you can carry in a suitcase. Still it is smart to only take along what you will need for your journey. By packing as light as possible you will be ensuring a stress free journey without having to worry about lugging around unnecessary items. Also since all your travels will be on the road, if you absolutely need something you can always pick it up in one of the towns along your route.

Be Sure To Take Essential Items

While packing light is good, there are still some items that are essential to take when caravanning for any period of time. Food and drinks (especially water) is something that you should always take along with you for when you get hungry on the road. You don’t need to take too much but enough so that just in case you don’t have access to a store for a longer period of time. Safety is important no matter where or how you are traveling so you should ensure you have a first aid kit with you as well as any necessary medications. When traveling by vehicle you also have maintenance to think about so it is handy to have some tools along in case your motorhome breaks down or gets a popped tire along the way. Another important item is an atlas of your area because the last thing you want is to get lost!

Plan Your Route

Planning your route is one thing you should get done well before you head out on your caravanning journey. It is important to keep in mind certain necessities when traveling by motorhome such as getting gas and eating. Figure out before you depart which route is the best route to take to get you to your destination. Plan out where you can stop for a bite to eat as well as where you can fill up on gas if the need arrives. By planning your route out ahead of time you will save yourself a lot of hassle.

Caravanning can be an exciting experience for the minimalist traveler as long as you are prepared for what lies ahead. Follow these simple tips to ensure a smooth trip.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/caravanning-guide-minimalist-traveler/feed/11536Some Packing Tips for Cold and Wet Placeshttp://minimalworld.com/packing-tips-cold-wet-places/
http://minimalworld.com/packing-tips-cold-wet-places/#respondMon, 07 Mar 2016 23:19:14 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1517A tourist destination doesn’t have to be constantly warm and sunny to be attractive, does it? Some of the most exciting places on the planet can get very cold and wet and times. So how will you pack in order to enjoy your time in one of them? The following are a few tips to […]

]]>A tourist destination doesn’t have to be constantly warm and sunny to be attractive, does it? Some of the most exciting places on the planet can get very cold and wet and times. So how will you pack in order to enjoy your time in one of them? The following are a few tips to help you make the most of your luggage space.

Consider Buying When You Are There

It sometimes makes sense to buy warm clothes when you are at your destination. After all, if the weather is often bad there then there is probably quite a lot of heavy, waterproof clothing on sale there for you to choose from. Buying anything at all on your travels can be quite exciting, so why not take the chance to check out the winter clothing you could use? You might find that wandering around a local supermarket or clothing store turns out to be good fun as well as useful. Of course, you won’t want to buy too much of this stuff unless you feel that you are going to be able to give it some good use in the future as well as on this trip. The idea of buying when you arrive would also definitely apply to items such as umbrellas and water proof hats or ponchos. You might also find that locally produced hand knitted clothes are cheap and easily found there as well, as they are in many parts of the world where cold weather is common.

Check the Weather Forecast Before You Go

Just because somewhere has a reputation for bad weather doesn’t mean that it will be cold and miserable when you are there. No matter where you go in the world it is always better to check out the current weather conditions rather than assume what it is going to be like. By checking what it is like right now in your destination you will have a better idea of what you need to pack. Who knows; the place might enjoy much better temperatures than its reputation would have you believe. An online weather forecast isn’t going to give you a guaranteed 100% level of accuracy but it will give you a good feel for what the current weather is like and how you should prepare for it, which is a great start.

Choose Layers

The best way to stay warm when it gets really cold is to wear a number of warm layers rather than one big piece of clothing. This makes it sound as though you need to pack a lot more individual garments than you might have expected but it doesn’t have to be so bad. For example, you could choose to wear the same warm layers a number of different days and maybe combine them in a few different ways. This approach can also be a big help if the temperature improves while you are there, as all you need to do is wear one or two layers less than you had been doing.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/packing-tips-cold-wet-places/feed/01517The Travel Accessories That Aren’t Worth Packinghttp://minimalworld.com/travel-accessories-arent-worth-packing/
http://minimalworld.com/travel-accessories-arent-worth-packing/#respondMon, 29 Feb 2016 19:36:28 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1515It can be a good idea to use some travel accessories on your trips but they aren’t all necessary are they? No, some of them are pretty useless and won’t help you at all. Disposable Underwear At first glance disposable underwear sounds like a good idea, especially if you are on a long trip. However, […]

]]>It can be a good idea to use some travel accessories on your trips but they aren’t all necessary are they? No, some of them are pretty useless and won’t help you at all.

Disposable Underwear

At first glance disposable underwear sounds like a good idea, especially if you are on a long trip. However, when you think about it a bit more it makes no sense at all. For a start, you need to take away a bunch of paper underwear with you, which you then leave behind in hotel bathrooms round the world. Wouldn’t it make a lot more sense to just take normal underwear with you and wash it in your hotel whenever you need to freshen it up?

Disposable Underwater Cameras

The idea of taking a disposable camera away on a trip is less popular than it used to be. After all, why would you pack one of these things when you probably already have a camera on your phone which is as good if not better? Even worse is the disposable underwater camera. You might be keen to capture some spectacular photos of your scuba diving trip but it takes a lot of special equipment to take great snaps in the water and a cheap disposable camera isn’t going to offer you this. It is just going to take up room in your luggage without helping you out. Unless you are a big photography fan there isn’t’t really any need to take a camera other than the one on your phone these days. If you really want to use a disposable camera then why not buy one in the destination and just take home the roll of film to get developed?

The Backpack Mesh

Security while you are travelling is important and with a backpack or rucksack it can be difficult to see how to achieve this. You could put a padlock on it but that wouldn’t stop someone just cutting the fabric open. Some people use wire meshes to cover their luggage but all it does it add to your luggage’s weight and make it look as though you have something of great value in there. Since you probably don’t have anything especially valuable in there it makes more sense to just be careful with your possessions rather than put this heavy accessory onto your luggage.

Inflatable Pillows

Sleeping on planes and buses is hard but an inflatable pillow isn’t really the answer. Ask a few people who have tried one of these things and they are unlikely to tell you that the pillow helped them enjoy a great night’s sleep while travelling. To be honest, it is usually more than the lack of suitable neck support which stops you from sleeping while travelling. The motion of the vehicle, the temperature and your own excitement or nerves are probably more relevant here. If you can relax before the journey and choose the right type of clothing for the trip then this will help you a lot more than an inflatable pillow would.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/travel-accessories-arent-worth-packing/feed/01515Ecuador Packs in a Lot of Excitementhttp://minimalworld.com/ecuador-packs-lot-excitement/
http://minimalworld.com/ecuador-packs-lot-excitement/#respondMon, 15 Feb 2016 04:45:40 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1504If you look at the map of South America then Ecuador looks pretty small and insignificant it has to be said. Giant neighboring countries such as Brazil and Argentina catch the eye so much that it is easy to overlook Ecuador. However, this would be a mistake, as it is a place which offers a […]

]]>If you look at the map of South America then Ecuador looks pretty small and insignificant it has to be said. Giant neighboring countries such as Brazil and Argentina catch the eye so much that it is easy to overlook Ecuador.

However, this would be a mistake, as it is a place which offers a huge amount of excitement in a relatively modestly sized area. As one of the most diverse countries on the planet you can cram in a lot of different activities here even if you only have a relatively short stay.

The Big Cities

Quito is the capital and where most tourists pass as least part of their time in Ecuador. The city is starkly divided between the new town and the old town areas, with the latter containing most of the interesting buildings worth seeing. It is a laid back kind of capital where many travelers choose to learn Spanish and take advantage of day trips to places such as the monument at the centre of the world. Quito is also a transport hub for getting around the country, so making a base here makes a lot of sense. Guayaquil is another big city here, although it has traditionally been less popular with tourists. In fact, Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is an interesting place to spend some time, even if it has fewer obvious attractions. It is a fine idea to check out both big cities and see which one you feel most comfortable in.

The Rainforest

Ecuador is also a great choice of destination if you want to head out to the rainforest. There are jungle reserves in different parts of the country, where you either visit as a tourist or else do some voluntary work. This country is famous for having a huge degree of biodiversity. However, one thing you might notice is that it is hard to spot animals in the wild. The populations of animals such as sloths and the spectacled bear are quite small, although you are almost certain to hear monkeys close to you and should also catch a glimpse of some at some point.

The Other Attractions

There are a good deal of other top class attractions scattered across Ecuador. The amazing Nariz del Diablo (Nose of the Devil) train ride, the beautiful town of Baños and the famous market at Otavalo are all things which can’t be missed. There are many other attractions in the country, such as the town of Cuenca, the beaches at Atacames and Canoa and the volcanoes which crop up across the country. The compact size of the country means that it is easy to get around, while the friendly locals will make you feel at home. The one long trip you might be tempted to make is to the Galapagos Islands, which are a part of Ecuador even though they are far away from it. This is one of the most special places on Earth and if you have the time and money to visit there you should definitely do so.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/ecuador-packs-lot-excitement/feed/015043 Parts of the Journey Made Easier by Minimal Travellinghttp://minimalworld.com/3-parts-of-the-journey-made-easier-by-minimal-travelling/
http://minimalworld.com/3-parts-of-the-journey-made-easier-by-minimal-travelling/#respondMon, 08 Feb 2016 20:16:59 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1497Travelling in a minimal way is far better in a number of respects. If you haven’t yet considered this approach then here are a few reasons why it is going to make your life easier. The Transport When you go on a flight abroad you might think it doesn’t really matter how much stuff you […]

Travelling in a minimal way is far better in a number of respects. If you haven’t yet considered this approach then here are a few reasons why it is going to make your life easier.

The Transport

When you go on a flight abroad you might think it doesn’t really matter how much stuff you pack. After all, the plane is going to take the strain, isn’t it? While this is certainly true for part of the journey there are other parts where heaving around a giant suitcase could be troublesome. For example, getting on a bus or walking from the bus stop to your hotel could be a hassle in this situation. Of course, you never know what is going to await you on your arrival either.

It could be that there is a bad weather, a transport strike or something else which makes the transport situation more complicated. It is best to always think about what you would do in the worst case scenario. Could you carry all of your luggage a reasonable distance if there were no other option open to you?

The Airport

Even in the airport, you could find that you need to cover some distance before being able to check in your luggage in some airports. If you are travelling from one of the world’s biggest airports then you might find that you need to walk from one terminal to another, for example. After the flight, you will also want to get out of the airport and have some fun as soon as possible. This is definitely a lot easier when you don’t have a lot of luggage with you.

In the case of travelling with just hand luggage, you can just saunter out of the airport without having to hang about. On the other hand, if you need to wait at the luggage carousel for your hold luggage then this can cause you a big delay as well as the concern about whether the suitcase or bag will actually turn up on the carousel at some point.

The Relaxation

From Nail Salons in Houston, TX to Massages in San Jose, CA – one of the most underrated aspects of travel is the unwinding part. Travel is romantic on paper but when reality hits and the stresses of the broken down transport starts getting to you – you’ll want to take care of your health and wellbeing because being stressed on vacation kind of defeats the purpose of a vacation!

The Packing

Perhaps the most obvious difference between travelling light and taking a lot of baggage is with the packing element. For a start, when you are at home planning the trip you don’t want to have to spend a lot of time agonizing over what to pack and how to squeeze it all in. It is far more exciting to just pack the basics and head off without any worries about such things. Even more noticeable is the difference when you are in your hotel getting ready to go home.

Many travellers have ended their trips badly over the years by struggling to work out how they are going to fit in all of their belongings as well as any gifts or souvenirs they have bought while there. It is a far better idea to end the trip on a high note by heading home without any concerns about how you can get it all packed safely and on time.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/3-parts-of-the-journey-made-easier-by-minimal-travelling/feed/01497What Travel Paperwork Can You Leave at Home?http://minimalworld.com/what-travel-paperwork-can-you-leave-at-home/
http://minimalworld.com/what-travel-paperwork-can-you-leave-at-home/#respondMon, 01 Feb 2016 01:57:48 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1485When you decide to travel as lightly as possible you probably make an effort to leave at home some clothes, toiletries and other things which take up a lot of space. However, what about the paperwork you take with you? Can you leave some of this behind as well? A few papers might not seem […]

]]>When you decide to travel as lightly as possible you probably make an effort to leave at home some clothes, toiletries and other things which take up a lot of space. However, what about the paperwork you take with you? Can you leave some of this behind as well?

A few papers might not seem like a big deal but there are some good reasons for leaving them at home. For a start, you might get nervous about relying on bits of paper which are in your luggage. If you haven’t considered other ways of travelling then you might think that losing them could be a disaster. Another reason for thinking about this issue is that it is far more environmentally to not print off sheets of paper you don’t need. So, what papers are we talking about?

Your Flight Ticket

One of the pieces of paperwork you are most likely to fret over is the flight ticket. If you are worried about losing this then maybe it is time to check whether you even need it. When you are booking your flight you can check with the airline whether or not they offer an e-ticket or ticketless option. This is something which is done in different ways by different airlines, so it pays to check what their rules are and how you can do it. For example, in some cases you can turn up to the airport with nothing more than proof of your identity, while other airlines might ask you to print off a copy of the e-ticket from your email. As long as you check the requirements before travelling to the airport you will be fine. In fact, some airlines even let you check in quicker in the self service queue if you are travelling in a ticketless way.

Your Hotel Booking

We can place your hotel booking in the same sort of category as your flight ticket. There is really no need to turn up with printed confirmation of your booking anymore. Now you can just store a copy of the confirmation on your phone in case you are asked for proof of the reservation. Of course, having easy access on your phone to the details of the hotel is a good idea, as you might find that your mind goes blank upon arrival when it comes to the details of where you are staying.

Anything Else You Can Carry Electronically

If you are taking a phone, a tablet or a laptop with you then it is easy to take scanned documents with you. By taking away details of your trip in this way there is no need to carry a lot of paper about with you. Your electronic device can also be used to store things like emergency contact details and anything else you might need on the trip. This should take a weight off your mind, even if it doesn’t result in your luggage being all that much lighter than it would have been.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/what-travel-paperwork-can-you-leave-at-home/feed/01485What Kind of Luggage Suits You Best?http://minimalworld.com/what-kind-of-luggage-suits-you-best/
http://minimalworld.com/what-kind-of-luggage-suits-you-best/#respondMon, 25 Jan 2016 17:11:29 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1474There are many ways of travelling round the planet and there are also a lot of ways of packing your belongings for the trip. The following are some of the most popular types of luggage, together with some of the biggest pros and cons. Which one suits you best? A Backpack A backpack is a […]

]]>There are many ways of travelling round the planet and there are also a lot of ways of packing your belongings for the trip. The following are some of the most popular types of luggage, together with some of the biggest pros and cons. Which one suits you best?

A Backpack

A backpack is a very handy piece of luggage if you are going to be walking a lot over difficult terrain. Travelers who are heading to the jungle or to somewhere else where a suitcase can’t be wheeled really need one of these. You also get to keep your hands free, which can be very useful at times while travelling. One of the biggest downsides is that packing can be tough. Unlike with a suitcase, you don’t have a lot of options other than to put some stuff at the bottom and then put more on top of this. This means that you have to unpack completely when you want to get to the things at the bottom. Your clothes are also more likely to get crushed and crumpled in here than in a suitcase. On the plus side, many travelers find that using this kind of luggage makes them feel more like independent, adventurous travelers no matter where they are going.

A Suitcase

A suitcase is extremely practical if you aren’t going to be walking on anything other than flat, paved roads and in airports. If you stray from this type of surface then it is going to be a lot more difficult for you to get around by wheeling it, and many large suitcases are difficult to carry because of their shape. These pieces of luggage are ideal for business trips and family vacations in resorts. If you pack carefully then your clothes will arrive without getting all crushed and crinkled in the journey. Many of the best new suitcases are of a lightweight material, meaning that lifting them isn’t going to be a problem unless you pack them full of heavy items. They also can come with added security measures such as number controlled padlocks. For some people a negative point with suitcases could be that they might be tempted to carry more than they really need. This is why it makes sense to only take a suitcase which is the right size for your trip, instead of using a giant one for a short break.

A Big Bag

Some people also prefer the option of a big bag they can just grab and carry. This is a good choice if you aren’t taking much away with you and want something you can carry easily. This is traditionally seen as a sporty type of option but it can really be suitable for just about any kind of trip. As long as you can cut down on the amount of baggage you take away with you a bag can be a very practical choice which lets you get around quickly and without any fuss.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/what-kind-of-luggage-suits-you-best/feed/01474Does Travelling in a Group Mean Travelling Lighter?http://minimalworld.com/does-travelling-in-a-group-mean-travelling-lighter/
http://minimalworld.com/does-travelling-in-a-group-mean-travelling-lighter/#respondMon, 18 Jan 2016 01:47:08 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1452If you are going to travel with a group of other people then you might wonder whether this is going to mean being able to travel more lightly or not. The good news is that if you approach it in the right way then you can take less stuff away with you in this type […]

]]>If you are going to travel with a group of other people then you might wonder whether this is going to mean being able to travel more lightly or not. The good news is that if you approach it in the right way then you can take less stuff away with you in this type of situation. Here are some of the simplest ways of travelling light in a group.

Share Toiletries

There isn’t much reason to take up too much space with toiletries even if you travel alone. The availability of travel size packs and the fact you can buy most products just about anywhere mean that you can travel light in this respect. However, some people just can’t resist taking away all of their creams, lotions and other products with them. In this case, a great idea is to share your toiletries. Maybe you could make a list of everything you need to take and then work out who is going to take what. This method will ensure that you don’t end up taking 2 or 3 of everything away on the trip when you only really need one between all of you.

Swap Clothes

Most of us pack more clothes than anything else in our suitcases. Of course, the problem is that we don’t want to wear exactly the same things day after day while we are away. A smart way out of this problem is to get together and work out how you can swap clothes as you travel. If you can all get together with a co-ordinated approach then this can be a big space saver. It can also be pretty good fun to get together with your travel buddies and sort out your wardrobes before you head off. It will really help build up the levels of anticipation for the exciting trip you are all about to make. Even if you don’t all use the same size of clothes you can share things like hats, scarves and other items which are fine for all of you.

Check Each Other’s Luggage

It is always far easier to see what someone else can leave behind than it is to do the same with your luggage. Another good idea is to check out each other’s baggage when you are preparing for the trip. You might find that you come across other items you can share apart from the ones which are listed above. Even apart from this, you could see things which a friend is taking but which could easily be left at home. If you all work together and bounce ideas off each other then it can be really helpful in making sure that you all travel as lightly as possible. You can also take this idea with you when you are away and check the luggage before you head home again, as there might be almost empty bottles of shampoo, old clothes and other items which can easily be left behind.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/does-travelling-in-a-group-mean-travelling-lighter/feed/01452Italy Offers Some of the World’s Top Destinationshttp://minimalworld.com/italy-offers-some-of-the-worlds-top-destinations/
http://minimalworld.com/italy-offers-some-of-the-worlds-top-destinations/#respondSun, 03 Jan 2016 22:38:57 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1431Italy is the 5th most visited country in the world, with over 46 million international tourists spending time here every year. Where do they all go to? The truth is that there are so many fantastic destinations here that we can’t cover them all on this list, but here are some of the best places […]

]]>Italy is the 5th most visited country in the world, with over 46 million international tourists spending time here every year. Where do they all go to? The truth is that there are so many fantastic destinations here that we can’t cover them all on this list, but here are some of the best places to see in Italy the next time you are looking for a very special destination.

Rome

The capital city of any country is always a great place to start your journey. Of course, in the case of Rome we are talking about one of the oldest and most legendary cities in the world. Some of the most famous events in the history of human civilization have taken place here and you can feel the history all around as you check out the famous buildings in Rome. The number of things to do and see here is almost overwhelming, from the Vatican to Trevi Fountain and from the Coliseum to the Pantheon and a lot more in between. You won’t want to try and see all of this in just a day or two, so Rome is best seen if you have enough time to soak up its timeless wonders in a relaxed way over a number of days in which to enjoy it fully.

Venice

This wonderful city is famous for being about as romantic a place as you will find anywhere on Earth. However, you shouldn’t just consider it for a couples break. Venice has enough to offer to make any kind of trip unforgettable. The place where most tourists go to right away is St Marks Square but there is a lot more to see once you get settled in. Taking a gondola trip on the city’s famous canals isn’t going to be cheap but it is definitely recommended. The Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge are a couple of other places you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy art and spectacular buildings then you will have your hands full here as well, from the amazing St Mark’s Basilica to Doge’s Palace and a lot more besides. This is a magical city which will leave you with fantastic memories for the rest of your life.

Florence

We just touched on the subject of art tourism and there is no doubt that Venice is a fine city for any art lover. However, if you want to immerse yourself in art then there is no better destination than the beautiful city of Florence. This was the home of the massively influential Renaissance movement and houses some of the finest pieces of art on the planet. You could spend days here looking at the beautifully crafted buildings and wandering in and out of museums and churches crammed full of interesting pieces of art. As Florence in the Tuscany region, you can also expect some great food here and you might decide to make some trips to the countryside or to other towns such as Siena or Pisa.

]]>http://minimalworld.com/italy-offers-some-of-the-worlds-top-destinations/feed/01431What Are the Best Small Gifts to Buy As You Travel?http://minimalworld.com/what-are-the-best-small-gifts-to-buy-as-you-travel/
http://minimalworld.com/what-are-the-best-small-gifts-to-buy-as-you-travel/#respondSat, 02 Jan 2016 00:33:28 +0000http://minimalworld.com/?p=1386If you love buying gifts from foreign countries but don’t want to end up with a bulging suitcase what are the best small gifts you can buy on your travels? The following are some classic small souvenirs from a number of different countries across the world. Russia – Russian Dolls These are little wooden dolls […]

]]>If you love buying gifts from foreign countries but don’t want to end up with a bulging suitcase what are the best small gifts you can buy on your travels? The following are some classic small souvenirs from a number of different countries across the world.

Russia – Russian Dolls

These are little wooden dolls which fit inside each other until only the biggest one remains visible. They are more accurately called Matryoshka dolls and they come in a huge range of designs. If you look for some to buy while you are in Russia you might be amazed at how many different themes you can choose from. These are among the most unique and traditional gifts you can buy from Russia and they won’t take up too much room in your luggage either.

The UK – A London Tea Set

Once you get to London you will realize that there is a whole world of gift ideas featuring the traditional British symbols such as the red telephone box, the red double decker bus, the red post box and suchlike. Any of these things can be a lovely and interesting gift. Perhaps the best way to take something like this home is with something inside it, and what is more typical in the UK than tea? A tea set featuring some of the top symbols of this country is a great idea.

Spain – A Fan

If you go to Spain during the hot and sticky summer months you will probably be treated to the sight of many ladies cooling themselves down using a fan. The popularity of the fan in this country means that they are commonly sold as souvenirs to tourists. They come in many beautiful designs and are incredibly easy to transport, as well as being fairly cheap to buy. If you live somewhere with hot weather then it can even be a practical gift to give to someone as well as a lovely one.

Argentina – Mate Set

If the Brits drink a lot of tea then the Argentines drink even more mate. This is a natural infusion which you will see people drinking everywhere you go. It is easy to get hold of a mate set in any touristy shop around the country. This will include the gourd you drink from, a metal straw and the dried herbs you make the drink with. These items come in a variety of designs and some of them would look great in a display cabinet back home. Of course, you will hope that the person you give the gift to makes good use of it and drinks some of this healthy beverage now and then too.

China – Chinese Traditional Dress

If you are buying for a lady back home then you will find some incredibly beautiful dresses on sale in China. The different styles of traditional clothing differ across the country, so be sure to look for one which suits the person you are buying for.